OFFICIALS fear slowing Chinese demand for oil will destabilise the Middle East as the trade war between Beijing and Washington continues.

The price of oil is set to rise as Iran’s ability to contribute to the world’s supply is restricted by US sanctions.

Now oil and gas ministers in Bahrain and Oman warn that China could buy less oil as a result of tariffs imposed on a wide range of Chinese imports.

Oman’s Oil Minister, Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhy, told CNBC: “The Middle East unfortunately is not in a stable position right now, and we are concerned that we are seen as a high risk region, and that effects our business.”

Speaking at the World Heavy Oil Congress, he said: “If there is a serious trade disagreement between the US and China, the Chinese consumption of energy will be impacted negatively, from our point of view and the ability to produce and export will be impacted.